polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Made from high-density polyethylene with a realistic wood-grain finish, the table and six chairs are designed to withstand the elements without fading, rotting, or warping.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Each rocker is made from all-weather high- density polyethylene (HDPE) that withstands rain, snow, and wind and resists fading, cracking, and rot.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
Most sails are made of high-density polyethylene, which allows the sail to stretch while still maintaining its structure and preventing sunlight from coming through.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
The report finds that purified terephthalic acid production and monoethylene glycol, used to polymerize polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, are the biggest contributors across nearly all environmental impact categories.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Each rocker is made from all-weather high- density polyethylene (HDPE) that withstands rain, snow, and wind and resists fading, cracking, and rot.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
Most sails are made of high-density polyethylene, which allows the sail to stretch while still maintaining its structure and preventing sunlight from coming through.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
The report finds that purified terephthalic acid production and monoethylene glycol, used to polymerize polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, are the biggest contributors across nearly all environmental impact categories.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
